We commonly see our homes as a place where we can be safest and most secure, but did you know that even your house can serve as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and allergens. Find out about the different things you can find inside your home that may be making you ill.

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1. Mold and mildew

Different kinds of mold grow in nearly every kind of climate all over the world, which means that wherever you may live, your house is prone to mold and mildew. Whatever kind of mold you may find in your home, it needs to be removed to prevent health hazards like respiratory difficulties and allergic reactions.

2. Air conditioning unit

Though AC units provide comfort in our tropical climate, these actually only filter and recycle indoor air, which means that the bacteria in the air inside your home doesn’t actually leave. The units themselves can be areas where mold and mildew spores grow, especially if the filters and vents are not cleaned regularly. One way to combat this is by opening your windows and doors to let in fresh air.

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3. Harsh cleaning chemicals

These products can emit toxic fumes that may cause health hazards like respiratory issues and even death. Again, if you have to use these products to clean, open your windows or use a fan to let the air go out, or use natural cleaning products instead.

4. Carpet

As comfortable and attractive as carpets may be, these also have the capacity to accumulate a lot of bacteria and dirt. Even new carpets can emit compounds that can cause respiratory issues and nosebleeds.

5. Living room

This is a room that is almost always in use, a place where people gather and share everything. One of the things everyone shares in the living room is the remote control, which, because everyone touches it, becomes a breeding ground for different kinds of bacteria. Dust coming from outside can also cause contaminations of the air indoors.

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6. Kitchen

The kitchen in general also poses a lot of health hazards. If not cleaned regularly, sinks, drains, and garbage disposals can constantly contain a lot of E. coli. Even the tools you use, such as sponges and dishcloths, can harbor bacteria when used to clean kitchen counters.

7. Food handling

The wrong method of handling food, like wrong refrigerator temperatures and improper storage, can cause harmful bacteria to cling to your food items.

8. Bedroom

In the bedroom, your beddings is where you can find a lot of bacteria. Especially if these are not cleaned regularly and properly, your pillows and mattresses can accumulate a lot of dead skin cells and even dust mites, causing it to also contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

Bathrooms are meant to be always kept clean, but these spaces are actually usually filled with humidity which gives way to growth of mold, human waste, and chemicals from various bathroom products. Poor water quality can also cause health dangers.

10. Pet corner

Your pets may be cute, but their hair can be a source of different kinds of allergens, which can be spread easily throughout all the surfaces they touch. With regards to cats' litter boxes, don't let a pregnant member of the family handle the litter, as cat feces may contain parasites that might cause toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.

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11. Garage

The garage is usually utilized as storage for items like paint, pesticides, and automotive products, and the chemicals emitted by these products can help make for air that is harmful to inhale. To help mitigate this issue, make sure to leave some area for the air to go outside.

12. Old building materials

Houses built back in the old days commonly feature fixtures or finishes that may be unsafe, like lead paint, pipes made of lead, or asbestos, all of which can cause poisoning or even harmful fumes. For example, lead in old pipes can leach into your water supply and cause hazards to those who ingest that water.